Lifestyle

Why People Can’t Stay Away

Highlands County’s welcoming attitude and southern hospitality is not just a feeling, it’s our way of life. Our reputation is supported by a long list of amenities and incentives that make Highlands County a great place to build your life, family and business. We're often asked why people stay or come back to Highlands County. The answer is easy - Our people. We're a friendly and welcoming bunch with a little bit of southern hospitality. Check out VisitSebring.com for a deeper dive into our lifestyle and recreation.

Location

Ideally located just moments away from Florida’s major metro areas, Highlands residents have the luxury of quick access to the state’s top attractions without the everyday crowds and traffic associated with the metro areas. The county’s crime rate is well below the state average. Highlands is filled with the hometown charm that attracts so many as well as a dynamic culture that provides for new adventures every day. If you like calm communities with beautiful natural surroundings plus a choice of museums, restaurants and shops, Highlands County will keep you busy with its great lifestyle.. We’re simply living life to the fullest, all at a lower cost than our coastal counterparts.

Highlands County benefits from a quality healthcare community with two full-service hospitals and three campuses that provide a range of emergency, surgical, inpatient and outpatient services as well as an extensive network of providers. The two hospitals include Highlands Regional Medical Center, which is located in Sebring, and AdventHealth, which has campuses in Sebring and Lake Placid.

Education

As the old adage says, “It take a village to raise a child,” and that’s certainly the care you’ll find in the Highlands County school system. While our community continues to grow and expand, we remain a close-knit group that is committed to the development of each of our children. Our educators are committed to excellence and they work hand-in-hand with parents, teachers, administrators and community leaders to create innovative curriculum and programs, starting as young as the Pre-Kindergarten level. Highlands County has 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools. International Baccalaureate, advanced placement and dual enrollment programs are also offered through the local education system. Visit our Education and Training webpage for more information.

Arts & Culture

Highlands has passionately cultivated a dynamic arts community with offerings in a variety of mediums. Programs of interest include the South Florida State College Theatre of Performing Arts and its Museum of Florida Arts and Culture, the Highlands Art League and its unique artist village, the Allen Altvater Cultural Center, the famed Lake Placid Murals, and numerous other museums dedicated to celebrating the rich history and culture of Highlands County.

Cuisine

The community also has numerous cuisine options to entertain even the most discerning “foodies”. Cuisine offerings run the gamut, including Americana, Mexican, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Café/Bistro, Italian, and much more.

According to Vacation Idea Dream Vacation Magazine, Sebring was named one of the best under-the-radar family destinations in the U.S. Check out vacadtionidea.com for the details.

AMERICA'S MOST INTERESTING TOWN
In 2013, Readers Digest Magazine named Lake Placid “America’s Most Interesting Town” because of the small town’s “unique variety of nature, culture, and fun,” according to the magazine. Check out www.visithighlandscounty.com for more information on attractions, accommodations, special events, and more.

OUR MISSION

Enhance the quality of life in Highlands County by attracting a diversity of new businesses; increasing industrial investment while facilitating the retention and successful expansion of existing business and industry.